Dedicated to Monty Oum

Title: Covered in Fog

Music: Big Prize - Trocadero

To the Co-Director of Project Aegis,

I apologize for my absence to witness the culmination of you and Professor Halsey's work. I, like yourself, am a very active man with a very demanding job. However, please accept this letter as an apology. You have my condolences and also my high expectations. Beacon had spent quite the funding for all of its recently hired staff and equipment, so I expect much from them. Which brings me as to why this letter exists, how was the initial testing? I trust that it was an overwhelming success? It must be. The labs were very energetic the last time I visited. I am compelled to remind you that the fate of Humanity falls on the hands of the ones who stand up to protect it. It should be necessary that ones such as yourself should be there to provide the equipment. But I digress. In your response, I expect your research results attached as per protocol. I look forward to our mutual cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

The Headmaster of Beacon Academy

A response to the Headmaster of Beacon Academy,

Do not apologize for something trivial. I also recognize that your expectations are very high and I am pleased to confirm that the experiment was successful. Not before long, my and Professor Halsey's project will be available for field testing. Now, I have a lingering query that I have no doubt in my mind that a person such as yourself will be happy to answer. What is your purpose? What is your purpose of bringing all of the brightest minds in Remnant to Beacon? What is your purpose of giving them limitless funding and the most contemporary lab equipment money could afford? I find it hard to believe that you're willing to do this for the betterment of mankind. There's a dark truth that you're refusing to reveal. Everyone here knows it also. You cannot fool any of us, Headmaster. But you must have a reason for hiding the truth. And while I am one to be cooperative, I am not sure of others. So until you find the opportunity to reveal the true reason as to why this lab exists, I will continue hard at work with Professor Halsey.

Sincerely,

The Co-Director of Project Aegis,

Dr. Leonard Church

[Attachment]

Music: The Girl in the Drawing - Durarara OST

Glynda stood silently as she waited. Her face looked impassive to the scene in front of her.

Beacon's hospital was in perpetual ordered chaos. Injured students were being treated in separate rooms, medical staff had their own agendas and were working their hardest, and the halls and rooms would always be filled with hustle and bustle.

This didn't surprise her at the very least. Ever since Ozpin told her to promote Beacon's infirmary into a hospital with free care, opening Beacon's doors to take in any patients would be a progressive choice. So far, she's convinced that it is.

On the upside, the entire city of Vale has access to universal healthcare. Not only that, but this would also provide rapid experience to the newly hired medical staff and interns.

On the downside, visiting hours became little to non-existent. Due to the VERY strict and busy schedules of doctors, the hospital would rarely slow down to allow for visitors. On days that it does, the waiting rooms would be flooded with worried teammates.

And the only reason why Glynda was allowed to visit today is because she has complete clearance to all areas of Beacon.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed a pair of medical students nearby reviewing data. They were joined by a doctor sitting in a chair and smoking a cigar.

"Ouch. All of his ribs and right forearm were broken. Gonna be a while til they knit." A male student with glasses commented as he read a report on his scroll.

"I'm surprised his organs aren't liquidated. They're impaled sure, but not red mush. Ursi has the strength to wreck an entire tree in seconds." A female assistant added, reading right beside him.

"It's most likely due to his aura. His low reserves show. It must have took everything he had to only keep his organs intact. Probably going to take at least two months for his bones to heal. At most three. I'm not even mentioning the physical therapy he might need." A doctor with a cigarette bluntly diagnosed. "However his aura's not regenerating as fast as it's supposed to."

"Didn't Doctor Grey handle the operation?" The assistant asked.

"Yeah. But I gotta say, she's just a monster! She has fast hands and she knows how to use them. I watched as she tore through the patient's lungs and organs, looking for bones." The boy with glasses shuddered. "When she went to the arm, I can't tell you the number of times I cringed from the sound of grinded bone. Chipping away at the marrow. Bone dust piling up inside the arm-"

"Don't. I want to finish a work day this time. Anyway, says here that the main operator was Doctor Grey, but the assistant is someone named Madaraki. Dr. Stein, do you know who that is?" The female assistant asked.

The man with the cigarette finished it and puts on his rimmed glasses. He reviews over his scroll again with a stoic frown.

"You'd rather not know." Dr. Stein mutters impassively. "Let's just say that she looks a bit like me."

He then rolled away from the pair in his chair. He disappeared seamlessly into the frenzy of medical staff.

The female assistant and boy in glasses looked between each other in confusion.

"He doesn't mean..." The boy questioned hesitantly.

"Her, right? With the stitches and screw?" The assistant shivered.

That didn't sound good to Glynda. But she hired the best of the best in Remnant according to Ozpin. Their medical and psychological background were clean. So she has nothing to worry about. What she is worried about are the dramatic consequences of telling Jacqueline that her son was severely injured in the field.

'No. She would pull Jaune out of Beacon faster than I can get a single explanation in.' Glynda thought. 'I must keep quiet about it, for both Jaune's dream of being a hunter and for my sake as being a responsible aunt.'

Glynda then sighed. Why? Why did she let this happen? This is very unbecoming of her. She should have done something sooner. But there was nothing she could do. She didn't know. She placed her trust into Jaune to stay safe, but he chose another choice.

She confronted everyone who was present at the scene. Cardin Winchester, of all people, was the one who explained everything. The explanation was sincere enough and Cardin was very pained and regretful under his stern attitude. And after some deliberation, Glynda had allowed Team CRDL to walk away back to their dorms for the day scott-free.

But why would Jaune do this? To save a life, yes, but knowing that you wouldn't last is clearly irresponsible. Glynda sighed. Jaune always did put others in front of himself. It became a fatal flaw of his. She doesn't know whether to slap him for being so rash or embrace him like the proud aunt she was.

Still, this doesn't change the fact that Jaune's still in the emergency room. He's been in there a while now and there's been no word yet.

But that doesn't excuse the fact that Mrs. Nikos allowed Jaune to roam. It's because of her that Jaune got injured. When Glynda was questioning her though, Pyrrha looked genuinely mournful and remorseful of her single decision, to the point of tears. As much as Glynda hated sob stories, she had to look at the facts given to her. Pyrrha reviewed over the Grimm reports thoroughly. She knew of the dangers and possible situations in Forever Fall. She considered that Jaune was trained enough to avoid encounters against Grimm. She didn't know that Cardin was in danger. She didn't know that Jaune's aura wasn't enough to save him.

Glynda can imagine the unbearable grief Pyrrha must being going though as a leader and a partner. Later, Glynda waived Pyrrha's punishment for carelessness in the field. The girl has enough troubles as is.

"Ah! Miss Glynda!"

Glynda looked up to see a female doctor with purple trimmings on her coat walking towards her.

"Dr. Grey." Glynda shook Dr. Grey's hand. "I assume the operation was a success?"

"Oh! Er. Well…" Dr. Grey hesitated, avoiding Glynda's eyes. Glynda didn't take it well.

"Dr. Grey." Glynda sternly snapped.

"The patient's… fine. More or less," Grey answered uneasy. "Buuuut it was a bit difficult. I mean several of the bones were lodged inside the patient's lungs. That's a very difficult procedure, but it's nothing to a person such as myself." She said with a ray of sunshine.

"I hope so. I went through the trouble of finding you and your particular set of skills. You and everyone else you're working with, Dr. Grey." Glynda said deadpanned.

"And I'm very grateful that you decided to have me here." Dr. Grey smirked. "And please call me Emily."

"I'll consider it. Now, may I see the patient?" Glynda asked.

"Oh yes. Um. Please follow me!" Emily sang with a jingle as she escorted Glynda through a busy hospital with crowds of medical staff.

Glynda mentally sighed. Even with all the improvements and expansions to the infirmary, it always seems to find itself filled with patients and injured students.

Far be it from her to not let students learn from personal experiences.

Even if it does result in thousands in property damage and injuries...

"Cut it off!" "Hold still, man! It'll all be over soon!" "AHHH! MY LEG!" "Preparing anesthetic." "You could have used that sooner!?" "Heat of the moment, sir. I'm just trying to do my job."

And the temporary loss of a few limbs.

The miracles of prosthesis and advanced limb replantation. Beacon's medical staff is always prepared for any situation. In fact, Glynda is proud to say that there has yet to be a single loss of life on Beacon's watch.

"AAAHHH!" "Hold on, man! Just bear with it!" "Get the damn mallet! The gas and liquids aren't working on him!"

She repeats...

"Oh, I must thank you again for this scientific opportunity, Mrs. Glynda!" Dr. Grey turned to Glynda with a pep in her step.

Glynda looked away from a group of second years waiting for the secretary to check them out, in record time too. Beacon requires only the best in this line of work.

"Yes yes. Although, I'm skeptical about your background, you are indeed qualified. Perhaps even too qualified." Glynda admitted with a blank tone.

"Oh, you're such a fuddy-duddy! Everything's perfectly fine! I mean, weren't you watching while I was operating? I believe that I sang quite the piece!" Dr. Grey smiled bubbly.

"Oh, I completely forgotten that you sing." Glynda deadpanned with a white lie. "But no, I wasn't present at the time."

"And I must say that I'm always excited to have this job! I never had TWO assistants before! Thank you so much again for finding me!" Dr. Grey chuckled brightly as she and Glynda found their way out of the crowds and roaming the quieter halls.

"Ah, it's no problem. But I'm still suspicious about your previous job." Glynda raised a brow.

"Oh! That was a..." Dr. Grey took a slight pause. It was deafening to say the least. "...rather different period in my career." Dr. Grey smiled weary as she answered.

This is just one of many... colorful employees that Ozpin had decided to hire. With advice from Ozpin, Glynda reluctantly overlooked these people's backgrounds and hired them. She was considering if it was a mistake. However as odd and suspicious as these new hires may be, they do what they do best with the least amount of trouble. The atmosphere in Beacon had become rather… schizophrenic. It's especially worse with the equally colorful students. But if it means the highest percentage of Beacon overcoming whatever disaster that Ozpin prophesied, then so be it.

And if it comes to it, Ozpin has a contingency plan for anything and everything. Glynda was sure Ozpin wouldn't be stupid enough to let people like Grey to freely roam Beacon grounds. It's not that she doesn't trust her; it's just that she has the tendency to make the lives of others... uncomfortable, being the person she is. The same goes for the rest of the new staff. Some of them are quite sane. Others are not. Some are competent in one thing. Others are competent in another. Glynda realized that Beacon needed as many specialists as possible. She learned that hiring these sort of people was practically a necessity. In fact, their personalities may as well be the thing that can save lives.

"Right. Well, Dr. Grey. How are your accommodations? Is everything in order?" Glynda inquired.

"Oh, they are just wonderful! Your facilities have the most state of the art equipment I have ever seen! I'm just giddy just knowing that I can play with them all day! Tell me! Just where did you get these machines?! Some of them are supposed to be scientifically impossible!" Dr. Grey stopped dead to interrogate Glynda with a bright smile. Her hands were clasped to the sides to sweeten the image.

"That's a poorly worded question." Glynda looked up from her scroll to push up her glasses. Her demeanor was apathetic and cold. "The question is not 'where', but rather 'how'."

"Whatever do you mean?" Dr. Grey tilted her head, curious.

"Beacon manufactured them. Everything that you've been using up till this day, the medical equipment and devices, are products of Beacon's newly established Research and Development department." Glynda explained. "I trust that you'll keep this to yourself as no one outside of Beacon staff knows of the department's existence."

Dr. Grey was surprised, then shook her head and took a brighter grin.

"Yes! I can! Can I ask where this department is? I'd like to see its head." Dr. Grey requested vigorously.

"Can we resume this later? You were escorting me." Glynda reminded the curious doctor.

"Oh! Right! It's not far. This way~!" Dr. Grey eagerly pointed the way. "We have the patient in a spare bed."

The pair walked to a plain door with a pair of doctors talking between each other while inspecting the scroll hanging on the door. One of the doctors had bushy hair and looked unkempt. The other had green slick hair and a built stature. Glynda caught the conversation.

"This boy's lucky. Says here that his aura was unlocked just a few months ago, a rare case. Didn't even bother to hone it." The unkempt doctor commented.

"He's nothing but luck. Had he not unlocked it sooner, he would have died the second he got crushed." The built doctor pointed out.

"Gentlemen, May I ask what you're doing?" Dr. Grey sweetly questioned the two.

"Ah, Dr. Grey. We're just doing our rounds and we came across your new patient." The messy doctor explained.

"You must have done a fine job in operating. I haven't heard of a case like this before and you merely just fixed him. Like it was nothing but a scab." The built doctor said incredulously.

"Oh yes. It was nothing, gents. Miss Glynda here would like to be alone with the patient. Come along. We can finish our rounds together. Good bye, Glynda~! We'll talk later." Dr. Grey crooned singly as she walked away with the two doctors.

"Glynda." "Later, Glynda."

Finding herself alone in the hall, alone as being in a busy hospital with scant amounts of passersby, Glynda looked at the door Jaune was behind.

She paused for a moment to ponder, but seeing as nothing needed a second thought, she discretely went inside.

There he was. There was no mistaking the messy blonde hair.

Sleeping peacefully on a hospital bed with a 3D printed torso and arm cast, Jaune laid there without a sound. An IV was attached to his other arm and his mouth had a respirator connected to an oxygen tank by the bed. His red scarf was mysteriously still around his neck. But it didn't take long for Glynda to remember that Jaune's teammate had asked that they leave it alone. Mr. Lie is a kind and considerate soul, so it would be second nature for him to take the wishes of his teammates into consideration.

The scarf may have interfered with the operation, but since Dr. Grey never mentioned anything about it, it should be laid to rest.

Glynda walked up to gain a closer look. Looking down, Jaune was indeed out cold. To the side, all of his possessions were on a table, neatly arranged.

Issac's black jacket. Torn.

Jaune's white skates. Now a dull color.

Jaune's scroll. Miraculously intact.

Crocea Mors. The sword unblemished, but the shield bent and thrashed. A pale imitation of what it used to be.

The sight of Jaune tore inside the infallible Glynda. It reminded her that it was her fault, but… it wasn't, was it?

She didn't know. She was careful, but still, she had let her guard down. And because of it, Jaune is in no condition to even attend classes. Glynda wanted to berate and scold herself. She wants to do something to fix this, but what's is done is done. There's no point in dwelling on it. Glynda had long come to accept this aspect of life already.

All she can do now is move on, just like Issac had told her.

Glynda placed a hand on her nephew's forehead. It was warm. And with a soft, mournful tone, she spoke,

"I'm sorry. I promise to make it up to you. I swear."

Her hand ruffled the boy's blond hair. Her face softens to a weary smile. There was no going back now. The deed was done and Glynda has no regrets.

Glynda sighed and her face turned into the usual frown.

Without another word, she turned and head straight out the door, into the hustle and bustle of the Beacon's Hospital.

And into the unknown.

Music: Durarara OST - Their Aspirations

[Chatroom is currently empty.]

[User HeroJustice has logged in.]

HeroJustice: HEEEEEELLOOOOOOO~~~~!

HeroJustice: Huh? No one's here?! That's a first! This place is usually full!

HeroJustice: Oh well. I can just say whatever I want now!

HeroJustice: -The following message has been censored.-

HeroJustice: Waaah? So boooring. Admin's such a killjoy.

HeroJustice: Whatever. Anyway, I should probably report this now before I forget.

HeroJustice: Something's going down in Vale. I just know it.

HeroJustice: And not just in Vale! The entire world's going nuts! Vacuo, Atlas, Mistral. Even the academies! And the whole world's keeping an eye on Beacon!

HeroJustice: I guess that's what happen when you practically become a slacker's paradise, giving out free stuff!

HeroJustice: But that's just what I think. For all I know, everyone's watching everyone for their own reasons.

HeroJustice: It wouldn't be the first time. =]

HeroJustice: But I'm not just here to talk politics!

HeroJustice: I'm sure someone will log in soon and see this. Penny for their thoughts, maybe?

HeroJustice: So, the status of Mute Radio is kinda stable right now. Not that many members though. Just a hundred or two.

HeroJustice: Haaaa... And to think a thousand people came to this site just to check it out just a few months ago.

HeroJustice: Some of our new members even just up and left!

HeroJustice: Ah. Forget them. They're lame anyway.

HeroJustice: We're still small, but I'm sure people will start noticing the good we're doing, right? For justice!

[User BlindEarphones has logged in.]

BlindEarphones: Hello.

BlindEarphones: Ah. I just looked at the logs. What the hell are you saying, Hero?

HeroJustice: Heeeeellooooooo~~~~!

HeroJustice: I'm so glad you're here, Blind-chan! I got sooooo lonely! ;^;

BlindEarphones: The heck... Ugh, I guess I can say you're welcome.

BlindEarphones: You've noticed something going weird too? Funny. Remnant's just being weird as usual. Nothing wrong there.

HeroJustice: Don't act like you can't see it! With your blaring music and I-don't-care attitude!

HeroJustice: There's been so many weird people coming on the news in Vale! Haven't you seen the latest one!?

BlindEarphones: Eh? The one about the serial killer that's doing an awful job at being a serial killer?

HeroJustice: Not just that one!

HeroJustice: The one about the traveling merchant that sells all kinds of voodoo!

HeroJustice: And the one about that new gang of skaters in Vale!

HeroJustice: Heck. Vale's getting all kinds of weirdos.

BlindEarphones: That's because most of them are immigrants or has some sort of mission here.

HeroJustice: Huh? What?

BlindEarphones: Don't tell me. You haven't even wondered why people are coming to Vale.

HeroJustice: Uh... No?

BlindEarphones: It's Beacon.

HeroJustice: Oh. I know that much then.

HeroJustice: People from Vacuo and Mistral are coming over here because of opportunities of a lifetime.

HeroJustice: It's like immigration 101. Push-pull factors. See free stuff? Grab it while you can for your family. Living in a bad place? Move to a better place.

HeroJustice: Beacon's a huge cornucopia, ripe for the picking with free housing and health care.

HeroJustice: And I don't think that it's running out any time soon.

BlindEarphones: You know your stuff for once.

HeroJustice: Mhm. Thanks, History Class!

BlindEarphones: Hmph.

BlindEarphones: And with these new people mixed in, Vale's going to be restless.

HeroJustice: Haaaa... I just love a bit of chaos. =]

HeroJustice: Civilians. Gangs. Weirdos. Huntsmen. Policemen.

HeroJustice: Vale's just about full of them.

HeroJustice: It's becoming a powder keg.

BlindEarphones: And all it takes is a single spark.

HeroJustice: And there are all kinds of sparks everywhere in Vale.

HeroJustice: I wonder what would happen if one person just gathered all those sparks and threw them into one place.

BlindEarphones: Hmm... I wonder.

HeroJustice: =]

BlindEarphones: Stop smiling. Bad things happen when you smile.

HeroJustice: Who, me? Naaaaah.

HeroJustice: I just love being in Mute Radio. Helping people. Watching out for each other. I just wish that everyone can see the good we're doing. That's all.

HeroJustice: We're the good guys, right?

BlindEarphones: Who knows?

HeroJustice: Ah. I see.

HeroJustice: So I'm guessing we're just one of the sparks then?

HeroJustice: I guess we can just find more.

BlindEarphones: And then what?

HeroJustice: Hmm. We'll just wait for the next meet up. See what everyone says.

BlindEarphones: We've been making the right calls so far.

BlindEarphones: We've gotten this far. There must have been a point to all this.

BlindEarphones: There's no way this group exists for no reason.

BlindEarphones: There's just no way that some random guy would go this far to make a group like this. He has to have some ulterior motive.

HeroJustice: There might be.

HeroJustice: Or it is just so.

HeroJustice: We're probably thinking too far into this.

BlindEarphones: I wouldn't know.

HeroJustice: We all don't.

HeroJustice: But we might know just enough to get by.

[User SilentSquire has logged in.]

SilentSquire: Hello.

HeroJustice: Heeeeelloooooo~~~~~! Squire-kun! You're just in time!

BlindEarphones: Hello. Squire-san, we were just talking.

SilentSquire: Ah. What the? You're saying some dangerous stuff.

HeroJustice: Haah? But it's the truth, right?

SilentSquire: ...

SilentSquire: You're not wrong.

BlindEarphones: We're just waiting for everyone to be online before we all talk.

SilentSquire: Ah I see.

HeroJustice: Are you feeling better, Squire-kun?

SilentSquire: Ah yes. Thank you. Being in the hospital isn't all that great, but at least I have company.

BlindEarphones: Thank you for the compliment.

HeroJustice: Aaaaah~ Hearing a compliment from a dear friend is so rewarding.

BlindEarphones: What the hell are you saying, idiot?

HeroJustice: Waaaa!? I earned Blind-chan's anger!?

SilentSquire: Now now, no need to fight. ^^;

BlindEarphones: Anyway. Squire-san, you're caught up. What do you think?

SilentSquire: ...

SilentSquire: This is something that we need to talk about.

SilentSquire: Not that many people follow us. Much less do what is necessary.

SilentSquire: Until we think we can do something, we can only watch.

HeroJustice: Mhm. That's so you, Squire-kun.

BlindEarphones: Cautious. Smart idea.

SilentSquire: And as for Vale,

HeroJustice: ...

BlindEarphones: ...

SilentSquire: Let's enjoy the fireworks.

HeroJustice: =]

BlindEarphones: If you say so, let's just see what the others have to say.

HeroJustice: Haha. This'll be fun.

[User PervertedDevil has logged in.]

[User SecondGekko has logged in.]

SecondGekko: Haaa. You guys didn't waste time. Already starting without us?

HeroJustice: Ahah. Sorry, Gekko-kun. I was the one who started this whole thing.

PervertedDevil: It's no problem, Hero! Anyway, I've just caught up and I gotta say I'm excited!

SecondGekko: We are talking about serious stuff. I wonder if we decide to do something.

SilentSquire: It wouldn't be a problem. Just as long as we go at it slowly, things will go our way.

SecondGekko: Hmm. I guess. But what WILL we be doing? I'm still a little lost.

BlindEarphones: It's better to wait for everyone to get here first. Better to talk all at once than individually. Less trouble that way.

PervertedDevil: Not surprising coming from a person who's nothing but trouble.

BlindEarphones: Quiet. You're too noisy.

HeroJustice: Hahaha. This is great.

[User DrillKing has logged in.]

DrillKing: Evening.

SecondGekko: Drill-san. Good to hear from you. How's Vale doing for you?

DrillKing: Better than I remember.

DrillKing: Living off the land can make a man a little slow in the city.

PervertedDevil: Don't I know it?

[User HeadlessWitch has logged in.]

[User KinofSatan has logged in.]

HeadlessWitch: Oh ho. So many people at the same time. Hello, everyone.

KinofSatan: What's up, guys? Almost everyone's here.

HeadlessWitch: Kin-san. Drill-san. Gekko-san. Blind-san. Devil-san. Everyone. Hello.

BlindHeadphones: Hello, Witch-san. Everyone's on and off this chat. Don't expect everyone to answer as quickly.

HeadlessWitch: Oh. I know. We can't all keep our eyes glued to the screen.

KinofSatan: Yeah. That sounds about right. That reminds me. I got dinner to make. I'll be back.

HeroJustice: Lates!

DrillKing: Later.

BlindHeadphones: Until then.

BlindHeadphones: Anyone else have business to take care of?

SecondGekko: Huh? What are we talking about?

SecondGekko: Oh. No I don't. I'm going on and off too.

PervertedDevil: Same here. Be right back.

DrillKing: On and off.

HeroJustice: Oh well. Everyone can't stay at the same time. Oh well. The meeting's not starting yet.

[User ChannelPirate has logged in.]

[User MafiaFlame has logged in.]

[User DevilinGlasses has logged in.]

ChannelPirate: Hmm... You guys have been busy. Hero-san. Blind-san. Devil-san. Glasses-san.

DevilinGlasses: Hello.

MafiaFlame: Hi, guys. I'm busy at the moment. I'll be back when the meeting starts.

HeroJustice: Whateverwhateverwhatever! Listen up!

HeroJustice: You guys just catch up, 'kay?

[User PaperBack has logged in.]

[User SkyRider has logged in.]

[User DarkFlare has logged in.]

[User BloodyArm has logged in.]

[User DenseIdiot has logged in.]

PaperBack: Hello. Sorry for being late.

DarkFlare: Alright! What's going on!?

BloodyArm: Everyone's being quiet.

DenseIdiot: Why is my name DenseIdiot? -_-;

DenseIdiot: Why can't I change it to something cooler like InfiniteSword?

SkyRider: Because you're an idiot surrounded by women who want to jump you.

DenseIdiot: But I don't see why that's got to do about anything.

HeroJustice: Hey, you guys who just got in, read the logs. We'll start when everyone joins.

HeroJustice: Are you all caught up?

PaperBack: Yessir!

HeadlessWitch: Oh my. Vale's in for a wonderful surprise.

BloodyArm: Yeah... Wonderful.

PervertedDevil: Alright! Time to get fired up!

SkyRider: Hell yeah!

DarkFlare: Awesome!

KinofSatan: Been waiting for this!

ChannelPirate: So loud...

DrillKing: Ah hah. Things are moving fast.

DenseIdiot: Too fast if you ask me. -_-;

SecondGekko: That's never stopped us.

DevilinGlasses: Hm... Interesting.

MafiaFlame: That is, IF we actually do this.

BlindEarphones: No worries. We just need to wait for everyone to join in, then we can decide if we're doing something or not.

HeadlessWitch: Still... I wonder what's going to happen.

HeroJustice: Oh. You guys don't have to worry about that.

SilentSquire: Maybe thing's will go smoothly enough.

ChannelPirate: I hope so.

DrillKing: Really now..?

PervertedDevil: Heh. Can't wait to see that.

SkyRider: Heh. Can't wait until the guys see this.

DarkFlare: Same.

KinofSatan: We're all ears.

DenseIdiot: Anything for a good cause.

SecondGekko: As long as it's something reasonable.

DevilinGlasses: Hmm.

MafiaFlame: ...

PaperBack: Er... I hope there's no trouble in the future.

HeadlessWitch: Ah... What's going to happen? Who knows?

BloodyArm: ...

HeroJustice: Heh

BlindEarphones: Why'd you type that in? There's no point, is there?

HeroJustice: Oh. I'm just thinking.

HeroJustice: I got the perfect one liner to say just before the fireworks.

DevilinGlasses: Oh?

DevilinGlasses: And what's that?

HeroJustice: Vacation's over, you miserable bastards. =]

Music: Green Memories - Durarara OST

Tukson felt great, as evident from the calm smile on his face. Without hesitation, he downs a glass of apple cider, non-alcoholic of course.

"Haaa. That hits the spot. I'm surprised that you even have this. It's not even the season." Tukson tipped his drink towards his host.

"Well you know our motto here. 'It's just right.' " The host poured Tukson another glass of cider. Tukson gladly partakes in it.

"Amen to that, Hei." Tukson was already halfway through his drink. "The atmosphere helps."

"No doubt. The noise from the club drives away potential customers. It cost a pretty penny to afford this soundproof bar. Feel free to enjoy the place as much as you want." Hei puts away the bottle to clean a glass.

Hei was a gruff looking man with a starch bartender suit with white, red, and black colors. If anyone took a look at him, they would instantly know not to mess with him.

"You know I will." Tukson lets out a small chuckle. The muffled sounds of music felt like a lullaby. It felt so peaceful to him. Heck, it was only him and Hei in the bar. All the more reason to enjoy drinking. He took a small drink of his cider. "So how's business? If you mind me asking?"

"Which one?" Hei scoffed with a smile.

"You know which one. You don't have to be so formal around me. We're buds. I won't rat you out." Tukson laughed mockingly. "Besides, how many people do you know can brag that one of their friends run the triads? Trick question. No one."

Hei shook his head and snickered. "You're drunk, Tuk."

"Off of cider? Ha. That's a first." Tukson responded with downing his glass.

"You'll never know. Anyway, you asked how's business, right? It's doing well. My boys are actually doing what they're supposed to so far. Money's pouring in and the folks are getting their protection. Business is good." Hei puts away the glass to sit across Tukson.

"You're not worried about the cops? They're beefing up their security, even going forward with daily patrols." Tukson rose a brow. His tone grew more serious.

"Nah. The cops don't mind. I made sure of it too. The chief's alright with our security services being legitimate. Long as my boys keep doing what they're supposed to, we get off scott-free with the money and our clients stay safe. It's a win-win-win situation." Hei shrugged.

"What about your other business? Besides protection racketing." Tukson inquired. The atmosphere was slow yet friendly. It was simply idle chatting between friends.

"Let's see here." Hei began to count off his fingers. "Prostitution gig is going good. No trouble there. Information is going in and out without any prying eyes. Bootlegging should be gone by now. My liquors' legit here. Smuggling's pretty smooth. Both weapons and people. Been seeing a lot more business on the people side of things lately. I've been wondering why."

"It's probably because of Beacon. You've heard of what's going on over there, right?" Tukson suggested.

"Yeah I have. I can't compete with free stuff, but that's just business. Doesn't matter at this point. As long as people want to get over here, who am I to argue?" Hei shrugged. "Your lips are staying shut, right?"

"No problems here, bud." Tukson nodded.

"Ah who am I kidding? I can't get mad at you." Hei laughed playfully.

"Oh hey. I've been meaning to ask. How's the White Fang doing?" Tukson spoke up over Hei's laughing.

Hei stopped his laughing to look confused. "The White Fang? I thought you stopped that business a while ago."

"I did, but I can't help but feel anxious. You know?" Tukson sighed.

"It's your business; I'm not prying. Anyway, the White Fang's revving up for something. They're getting as much dust as they can. Best of luck to them finding even a single vial though. Beacon's been cleaning out every shop in Vale." Hei explained. "That good enough for you?"

"That's enough. Thanks, Hei." Tukson slunk forward on the counter.

"Anytime." Hei crossed his arms, staring at a troubled Tukson.

~ring-ring~

"..!" Tukson snapped to attention and pulled out his scroll. A moment later his distress turned into relief.

"What's up?" Hei rose a brow.

"It's just the kid saying hi." Tukson pocketed his scroll.

"Jaune? The quiet kid?" Hei guessed. Tukson talked about Jaune several times already. "He still in the hospital?"

"Yeah, but he just told me he'll be out and coming right back to work soon." Tukson chuckled. "Darn kid had me worried."

"Kid's a hard worker. Can't believe he wants to come back so soon." Hei had to give respect. Even though he never met the kid, he had to give props. Jaune sounds like a guy he'd like to have working for him.

"Yeah. The kid's real interesting. I can't bear to part with him. He's like a son to me." Tukson smiled warmly. "Can't imagine the shop without him anymore. Especially with those hands of his."

"Hands?" Hei questioned.

"Yeah. Fastest hands I've ever seen. This one time, he cleaned my entire shop in half an hour. Sparkling even. Books and all." Tukson reminisced with pride.

"Hmm." Hei cupped his chin with interest.

"What's on your mind, Hei?" Tukson called.

"Hmm… Say, Tuk. Let's share the kid. I get him every other day." Hei suggested.

"What? Where'd this come from?" Tukson looked befuddled.

"You were saying all that good stuff about how he's so hardworking and fast. I could use a pair of hands like his." Hei grinned delighted. "Heck. This bar's getting understaffed and all the good bartenders are headed off to richer places. I'm going to need all the help I can find."

"Eheheh…" Tukson chuckled nervously. "I'm not sure I approve of Jaune working here. It's kinda shady for a kid like him."

"What? Nah. It's perfectly safe here. I can make sure of it." Hei smiled smugly.

Tukson winced. He really hopes that Jaune doesn't work here. He's too pure for some shady place like the Club. "I don't know… I mean Jaune wouldn't mind doing it if I tell him to, but I'm not sure if I should or not."

"Hey, it's up to you. I'm just offering." Hei rose his hands in defense.

Tukson looked to the side troubled. On one hand, he could do his friend a favor and lend him Jaune. On the other hand, he doesn't want to risk Jaune's safety. He's too precious to just give away.

"Tukson."

The Faunus looked up to see Hei crossing his arm with a self-assured smile.

"You have nothing to worry about. I'll pay Jaune a high wage and compensate you for lending him." Hei winked.

"But isn't that illegal..?" Tukson took a moment to realize what he just said. "Nevermind." He groaned.

Hei chortled. "And since when did that stop me? Don't worry, Tukson. I know what I'm doing."

Tukson shot a questioning look at his friend, then relaxed. This was Junior he's talking about and he knows for a fact that Junior always follows through with his word. His whole triad does with its weird blood pacts thing. What's there to worry about if Junior's there? The fact that Jaune might get some bad ideas from Junior? That didn't sit right with Tukson.

But… Jaune would appreciate the job offer, right? He can't stay cooped up in his bookshop with that shut-in, home-schooled head of his. He needs to see the world and learn from it firsthand. Junior's offer, while morally questionable, provides the right opportunity to let Jaune experience the real world.

He might regret this later, but he'll try to rationalize this as much as he can afterwards.

Tukson took a deep breath. "Alright…"

He looked up to see Hei waiting with baited breath.

"Fine. I'll lend you Jaune. But only because I think he'll grow from this." Tukson relented, tints of regret echoed in his decision.

"Great! Make sure you send him my way when he first comes in, Tuk. You won't believe how much this means to me." Hei brightened with a bright and cocky smile.

"Oh no. I'm walking the kid here myself." Tukson corrected the mob boss. "And remember your end. Make sure to protect the kid and pay him his hard-earned money. You can forget about paying me. Just be sure to consider Jaune before anything. Okay, Hei?"

"No problem, pal. Another round of cider?" Hei had his smug smile as he offered.

"Please." Tukson groaned as he held his glass. His other hand covered his eyes in disappointment. "I'm going to need as much as you got after that."

"Don't worry. Everything's going to be alright. I can even get the twins to babysit him. I'm sure they won't mind." Junior chuckled as he poured his friend a new glass.

"He's seventeen. He doesn't need a babysitter." Tukson refuted.

"Tomato. Tomahto. Doesn't matter to me. Still a minor." Hei puts away the cider with a conceited smirk. "And don't worry. The twins are professionals, remember? I mean, you remember the last time you've met them, right?"

Tukson widened his eyes in response. The last time he met Militia and Melanie, they were too busy beating up some rough necks who didn't want to pay for their drinks. Their temper was not exactly that of a saint's. Tukson grimaced when he realized this fact. "You know what? Forget the cider. Get the alcohol. I'm going to be here all night."

Hei grinned. "Sure. Heck, it's on the house, bud."

Music: Walking on the Diagonal - Durarara OST

"The Vytal Festival! Oh, this is absolutely wonderful!"

"Wow. You sure are excited for some hub-bub." Yang rolled her eyes to Weiss's excitement. "The only thing I'm looking forward to is the tournament."

"You barbarian! You should at least take the time to appreciate fine culture! That's the whole point of this event!" Weiss spat back with little disgust.

"Wow, Weiss. I never thought I'd see you smile this much." Ruby sounded surprised. "It feels kinda different."

Weiss whipped her head to her leader, completely forgetting her conversation with Yang. "How can you NOT smile!? The Vytal festival is a tribute dedicated to all the cultures in the world! Dances! Parades! The tournament! Oh, the amount of planning and organization that goes into this event is simply breathtaking!" Weiss awed as she gawked around her.

Team RWBY was wandering the streets of Vale. Preparations for the festival were underway. Banners were held. Balloons were tied every which way. People chatted and laughed. The sidewalks and streets were utterly crowded.

"Ugh. Even the city is crowded." Yang sighed with weariness. "Just how many people are even bothering to come to something as boring as this?"

"Quiet, you!" Weiss interjected with a pointed finger. "I'll have you know that Vale is a highly acknowledged host to international events in all of Remnant! It was a no-brainer that everyone would spare the time to travel here. I can even go on and on about why the festival is something you can't miss and I will!"

"Oh here we go." Yang sighed as Weiss exploded into a tirade. Her eyes couldn't hear anything else. Yang just knew that Weiss's massive ego would be the death of her someday.

As her partner went on and on with facts and history to her sister, Ruby tilted her head to see Blake.

She was quiet, more than usual. And that was saying something about her.

On Blake's face, Ruby saw nothing but grief and worry. There was only one thing that could make Blake worried like this.

"Thinking about Jaune?"

"Huh? Wha-no." Blake snapped to attention with a quick no.

Ruby flattened her mouth. "Liar."

Blake looked detached. "… Yes, I am."

"Blake, I could go on and on with how everything's going to be okay," Ruby perked up with a mellow smile, "But I won't."

Blake looked at her as if she's crazy.

"Don't look at me like that." Ruby held her hands up. "Jaune's going to be fine."

Blake tilted to the side. She crossed her arms, rubbing them. "But it's been weeks already. And we haven't heard anything from Pyrrha about him. None of us even had the chance to go and visit him."

"Wow. You REALLY want to see him…" Ruby eyed Blake suspiciously. "Is there anything going on between you two?"

"NO! No. No." Blake shrieked, causing Ruby to jump.

Ruby stayed quiet as Blake fidgeted. The normally quiet girl she knew was occupied with embarrassment and indecisiveness.

"S-sorry." Blake said, looking back to Ruby. "I've been jumpy lately. Can we just not talk about him anymore?"

"I don't blame you." Ruby nodded with cautious smile. "Tell you what. Whenever you have time, you can go visit him. You know what, I'm making it an order! Blake Belladonna, I order you to go visit Jaune as soon as you can." Ruby ordered with a bright, childish grin.

Blake can't help but smile too. Ruby's happiness is just too contagious.

"Aye aye, captain." Blake resigned with a content sigh.

"Captain Ruby..," Ruby looked up with a finger on her mouth, "That has a nice ring to it."

Blake rolled her eyes.

"Hey, are you done, you two?"

Blake and Ruby noticed that Yang and Weiss were staring at them with a curious look and a scowl, respectively.

"Yeah! Just finishing up some personal business of Blake's." Ruby beamed with innocence.

Yang and Weiss's eyes widened with surprise. Then, Yang started sniffling.

"*sniff* I'm so proud. My li'l sis is finally growing up." Yang wiped away a tear with a finger. "God, I feel so old."

Blake can't help but blush a bit in embarrassment and feel a bit disgruntled.

While Weiss just scoffed it all off and continued walking. She sighed in resignation. Such miserable fortune. What did she ever do to deserve this? But…

She looked back at her three teammates.

They're not bad if you get to know them. And Weiss can't help but feel glad that she had these morons as teammates. It gave her a sense of homeliness. It felt nice being around them. She supposed she could stick around them for four years. It's the most she could do for them.

"Hey. Move that over there! Not there!"

"Make up your goddamn mind!"

"Hey, chill out you two. I didn't come here just to hear you two argue."

"Quiet! There're kids here! You're leaving a bad impression!"

"Big sis, what does 'goddamn' mean?"

"Ugh! Uh… It mean 'oh no!'"

Weiss looked up to see an orphanage in minor disrepair. She felt this lighthearted feel in the atmosphere. There was a small group of hooded people working together to help fix the building and take care of the children.

What surprised her the most was that there were both human and Faunus children.

"Oi, Jintan. Where's Menma?"

"Over there."

Giggling children, human and Faunus, surrounded a hooded girl with silver hair peeking out of her hood. They were playing ring around the Rosie.

"Hehe. Ring around the Rosie! A pocket full of posies. Ashes! Ashes! We all fall down!"

The children and girl's laughs were contagious.

"Menma! What the heck are you singing to those kids?"

"Sorry, Anaru! Caught up in the moment!"

"Ma ma. Calm down, Anaru. She's just playing with the kids. Oh, Yuki, pass me some nails."

"Here. We don't need to paint. Do we, Poppo?"

"The paint's still fine as is."

"You sure, Tsuru? What do you think, Jintan?"

"Whatever makes them happy."

"*sigh* I knew you'd say that."

"Excuse me."

The hooded boy named Yuki looked up to see a teenage girl in pure white clothing. He tensed as he felt the atmosphere around her to be utterly chilling.

Weiss looked at the boy who was busy with fixing the awning. She had some trouble though. Under the sun, all she could see was his mouth. The shade under his hood hid his eyes.

"Yes? How can I help you?" The boy asked.

"May I ask what exactly is you doing?" Weiss calmly inquired. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her.

"Huh? Out of the blue?" Yuki scratched his cheek. "Er… In essence, we-"

"It's volunteer work." The boy named Poppo explained nearby. "And we wanted to help out the old man who runs this orphanage. Who doesn't like kids?"

"Volunteer work?" Weiss questioned.

It's not that Volunteer work was foreign to Weiss, but rather the fact that people in this day are willing to help others with something as massive as fixing an orphanage. There's no way that they're willing to just help for the sake of it. What would they gain out of this? It doesn't make any logical sense to Weiss, who had lived her life knowing that humanity is an opportunistic race. Forget the fact that they're helping Faunus, they're willing to help children!

"Yeah, volunteer work." Yuki repeated. "What? You never heard of it before?"

"Forget it, Yuki. We're almost done for the day." The boy named Jintan reminded. "As soon as we're done, we're headed to the movies."

"The new Spruce Willis movie?" The girl named Menma sparkled as children surrounded her. "I'm so excited!"

"No no. The new Jim Cherry." The girl named Anaru corrected.

"Eh? I thought we're seeing Leonardo DiApricot?" Poppo added in.

"In any case, why do you ask?" Yuki asked of Weiss, who squinted in confusion.

"What do you get out of this?" Weiss interviewed for a concise answer. "You're just giving your time without any reward?"

"Oh. I see your point," Yuki sternly spoke, "But to be honest, we don't want a reward. We're only doing this out of the goodness in our hearts. We're doing this for the kids. Human or Faunus, we don't care who you are. We help a good cause no matter what."

"Yeah! All of us in Mute Radio will always help out!" Menma chirped with vigor, pumping her fist in the air.

"Ohhhhhh!" The children around her cheered with the same energy, also pumping their fists up in the air.

"Shh! You're not supposed to say our name, Menma!" Anaru snapped at Menma.

"Huh? But it's true! We even called our super-secret group in Mute Radio the Super Peace Busters Branch!" Menma aloofly said with a wide smile.

Her mouth was immediately covered by the hands of the girl's other five friends.

"You don't have to announce it!" Jintan coarsely whispered.

"Just be quiet!" Anaru growled.

"I knew this would happen." Yuki sighed.

"We don't want to provoke a needless turf war." Tsuru blandly pointed out.

"Ma ma… She always says the darnest things." Poppo sweatdropped.

Weiss couldn't be more confused. Mute Radio? That small internet gang that's been doing volunteer work around Vale? Come to think of it, it'd make sense that these people would just help out.

At first, when she came across some small gossip of who Mute Radio was, Weiss didn't give two cents about them, writing them off as hot air.

But the proof is in front of her, in the form of mere teenagers in hoods helping by fixing an orphanage and playing with the orphans. And she must say, she can't help but feel grateful. The world may be a grim place to live, but it's always nice to know that there're people trying their hardest to make it just a bit better.

That's not the reason why she's becoming a huntress, but…

It wouldn't hurt to have a change in perspective.

It wouldn't hurt to have more things worth fighting for.

The cloudless sky looked particularly blue today. The sun shined bright.

Then Weiss blinked. "Uh… right." Weiss said as she inched away. "You just… keep up the good work."

"Uh… sure. Bye." The boy named Yuki used his other hand to wave Weiss goodbye. The others, including the children, bid Weiss goodbye with bright smiles.

Weiss couldn't help but wave back with a small smirk.

"So. The princess found her way back to us."

Weiss looked back to see Yang smirking at her with her hand on her hips.

Ruby and Blake were looking over her shoulders with curious looks.

"What?" Weiss scowled.

Yang held up her hands in defense. "Whoa. First you're a kid lover and now you're plain cold. Just what is up?" Yang cracked a smirk.

"Oh. Shut. Up!" Weiss crossed her arms, giving the brawler the cold shoulder. "Let's just get to the docks, okay?" She hmph'd to the side.

Yang, Blake, and Ruby looked between each other. Yang merely rolled her eyes and shrugged.

"Whatever you say, ice queen."

"Yang. What just happen?" Ruby walked beside her sister with a question.

"Beats me," Yang shrugged, "But let's just say your partner just got a taste of the 99%."

"99%?" Ruby question marked.

"That's something you'll learn in leadership class." Yang sighed. "At least, I'm sure you will."

"Uh, okay. Whatever you say, sis." Ruby smiled.

Meanwhile, Team RWBY's own quiet girl trailed behind, she snuck a peek at the orphanage her team was leaving.

The children had beaming smile and joyful giggles. The hooded teenagers were hard at work.

This image was the very definition of what Blake is trying to achieve to the world.

A world where human and Faunus can coexist peacefully.

Mute Radio… She has seen rumors of them around Beacon. It was hard to not hear a small group of students talking about them occasionally.

Thankfully, her hearing's sharp enough to hear far enough. Word is that they're really trying hard for what they believe in.

Could it be a coincidence that they could have been the same group who's been cleaning graffiti in Vale? Possible. But Blake can't just jump to conclusions. That kind of attitude had gotten her in enough trouble. She knew it was time for it to stop.

But now. Now she has friends, friends to protect. And as of this moment, friends are more important than past ties and mere grasping of straws.

Blake perks up. Right. Now all she can do is enjoy what she has now. She can worry about the White Fang and Mute Radio later. She quickly caught up with her teammate just in time to catch what Yang was saying.

"Man, even with the festival goin' on, it's just so boring. The only thing Vale's got going for it is the night life." Yang complained, stretching her arms up. The girls were wandering on a vacant sidewalk and Yang was expressing her utter boredom.

"Bored. Bored. Bored. Are you a broken record?" Weiss scoffed. "We don't have to keep listening to your complaining, you know."

"Well, I'm sorry. I can't help it." Yang sarcastically apologized. "I'm a thrillseeker. I wanna see the sights. Meet new people. Punch some faces in. Thrash some places. It's not my fault. Right, sis?"

"Yeah, Weiss." Ruby meekly agreed with Yang. "Yang's just born that way. Sorry about that."

"Well, then there's nothing we can do about it, is there?" Weiss rolled her eyes. She sighed. "Whatever. Let's just get to the docks. I want to investigate our potential opponents for the tournament."

"Who's the broken record now?" Yang snickered. Ruby accidently let slip a snirk. Blake stayed quiet, but a smile was evident.

"Just shut up." Weiss palmed her forehead. Yang clasped her hands behind her head.

"Besides I'm not kidding. There's just nothing to do in Vale. Not even with the tons of people here, nothing can make this city any more exciting."

"Lady, with that attitude, Vale's going to swallow you whole."

(Music: He's Such a Coward that He Can Laugh - Durarara OST)

Team RWBY flinched when they looked to the side.

There was a hooded boy leaning on a wall. His color motif was dark brown and black. He had this sinister grin you'd see only from troublemakers. His sleeves were rolled up and his strapped boots clung tightly. His eyes were completely overshadowed.

"Uh… Excuse me?" Ruby spoke up for an agitated Yang.

"You heard me. You don't know what you're saying." The hooded boy accused. "You Beacon kids think you're so hot. You think with all that training and studying you know everything that goes on in this town. Well guess what? There's more going on in this town than you think." The boy snrk'd.

"Ha?! What did you say, punk?" Yang stepped forward with a twitching brow. Ruby, Blake, and Weiss knew better and stepped back, letting Yang get it out of her system rather than trying to stop it. There's less property damage that way.

"What? Are you deaf?" The boy huh'd. He looked up to see red eyes glaring daggers at him. "Whoops. I guess I made you angry." The boy chuckled without a care.

"Damn straight you did!" Yang snapped with gritted teeth. "Now what are you going to do about it?"

"Uh… chill out?" The boy held up his hands in surrender. "Hey I'm just telling you the truth. Vale is more than meets the eye. You just haven't opened yours yet."

"Huh? What're you sayin'?" Yang was cooling off already. She blinked, her eyes turned lilac again. She looked at the boy with curiosity. "Kid, think about what you're saying. I would totally notice some fun when it happens."

"Do you really?" The boy asked with a frown. "Or do you just ask around the local bar for what's up? That's the thing with you Beacon kids, never bothering to look deeper into things when they count. Because of orders? What a load of bull."

Yang stiffen a frown. "Yeah? So what? If anything, I don't follow orders at all. You're preaching to the choir, bud."

"Just a piece of friendly advice. That's all." The boy shrugged. "Listen. How long have you and your friends been away from Vale? How long have you guys been holed up there in Beacon?"

"Huh?" Yang crossed her arms. Her anger dissipated and a ghost of sociability took its place. "A few weeks or so. We've been doing nothing but training since."

The boy shook his head and shrugged his hands up. "Thought so. Vale's changed a lot while you were gone. All you need to do is blink and you'll be left in the dust."

"What? We would've known whatever's going on by now." Weiss spoke up. Her arms were crossed in defense. All eyes were on her. "People would've started talking and the news would've reported on it by then. Information like that comes fast like wildfire."

Then the boy chuckled. "Sometimes, there are things that not even the news find out about. And even gossip can't get its way around."

Yang groaned in annoyance. "Ugh. Then how CAN we know? Honestly, you're just yanking our legs at this point. I'm beginning to think I should've caved your face in when I had the chance."

"Hey now. Hey now. Don't be so rash, girl. I'm just giving you some advice, remember?" The boy justified with his hands up.

"Then just say it already before I make your face into modern art." Yang huffed in frustration. She never liked being hanged like this. Usually, it's the other way around.

"Alright alright. I'll be out of your hair after this." The boy pocketed his hands with a sly smile. "You just gotta keep an open eye out on things. That's all. Really LISTEN what's going on. Eventually, you guys will really know what's goin' on in this town."

"What? That's it?" Yang scrunched up in confusion.

"That's it. Don't rely on the usual. Think outside the box." The boy turned on his heel and slowly went for the nearby alleyway.

"Hold up! That still doesn't make sense!" Yang growled.

"You'll figure it out eventually. You Beacon kids always do." The boy waved his hand up to them as he walked. "Sooner or later, this city will blow your minds. Later."

The hooded boy walked off into the alley way as RWBY watched him. It was a simple departure, but as soon as they blinked, the boy had disappeared from their sights. There were no signs of him at all.

"What the?! Where'd he go!?" Ruby stepped forward in confusion and curiosity.

"You know what? I got a headache. I think I want to go home now." Yang sighed with regret with a hand on her forehead.

"Oh no. Mysterious guy or not. We're still going to the docks." Weiss scowled as she turned for the docks, leaving the three behind to watch her walk off. They looked between each other.

"She's got a one track mind, doesn't she?" Yang sighed.

"She's an heiress. She's always been stubborn." Blake shook her head in resignment.

"!" "Guys, come on. Let's not get separated." Ruby spoke up as she caught up with Weiss.

"Yeah. You do that, Rubes." Yang sweatdropped. She and Blake were taking their sweet time to catch up.

"Do you think we'll see that guy again?" Blake asked with curiosity.

"Hope not. He creeps me out." Yang shivered.

"Hurry up! You guys are holding us up!"

Blake and Yang winced when they heard Weiss's shrill scolding.

"Fine fine! We're coming." Yang yelled as she jogged up.

Blake said nothing as she followed. Her mind held the boy's warning to consideration. Her instincts told her that there was indeed something going on in Vale and she had a feeling that they'll see what's going on soon enough.

Unknown to them, three beings stood on a nearby roof. Their eyes were obscured by their hoods.

"That's them? RWBY?" A hooded girl with green hair inquired. Her hands were tucked in her jacket. She stood near the edge, eying the girls wander towards the docks.

"Yeah. No doubt about it." A familiar hooded boy with strapped boots confirmed, hanging his legs precariously over the roof's edge. He had a sly smile. "They made quite the commotion back when Beacon had initiation."

"They're one of Beacon's knights? I thought they'd be older." A hooded boy with goggles questioned. He had this airy, but kind atmosphere. "They killed a Nevermore?"

"Yessiree." The grinning boy snickered. "Boy, I can't wait until they see what we've done to the place."

"Why would they? They don't know us, do they?" The airy boy asked with a carefree air.

"No. They don't. But Vale is still their city and we did things they haven't noticed. Yet." The hooded girl blankly enlightened.

"So how many does that make now?" The sly boy leaned back, looking up at his two partners. "We got Beacon. We got the White Fang. We got the Ursi Triads. We got Vale's police. We got some local punks here and there. Can you guess who else?" The boy gave a cunning smirk.

"Eh? Who could they be?" The airy boy scratched under his hood.

"Don't you forget? There're more to the world than just Vale." The girl shook her head. "Atlus. Mistral. Vacuo. You can't ignore the Grimm and there's always some who stick their noses into where they're not supposed to."

The sly boy snickered. "Haha. Are you talking about the guys pulling the White Fang's legs? That's a laugh. They're ab. So. Lute. Ly. Harm. Less." The boy rocked his head side to side with every syllable. His smile grew bright.

"Eh?! What are you saying!? They're really dangerous! They can hurt people if they're not careful!" The airy boy spoke up with worry.

"Haha. You worry too much. Even with everything they got, they can't change much." The sly boy smugly shook his head. "Take Roman Torchwick for example. Powerful guy, carries a lot of weight in his pockets, knows a lot of the right people, but in the end, he can't do much."

"What? That doesn't make sense at all." The airy boy tilted his head. "With power like that, he can take over Vale already, right? So we should worry about him, right?"

"Ah. But that's unless people are willing to LISTEN to him. And besides, why didn't he already?" The sly boy held up a finger to drive the point. "With a guy like him, all he's got for people to listen to is money and fear."

"Eh? Then… what's your point? You're just contradicting yourself at this point." The airy boy scrunched his brow in confusion.

"No, he's right for once. People like Roman Torchwick, money and power is all they've got. With things like those, people would be willing to follow him for so long until they desert him." The girl stared at the busy streets below. Nobody noticed how the three stood so close to the edge, as if a suicide was waiting to happen. "Fear and money can go so far, but eventually leaders will need something else. A cause."

"Yep. As far as we know, Roman doesn't have one, but that's not the same with the rest of the world, huh?" The sly boy rocked back and forth on the edge.

The girl nodded. "Everyone has a reason for what they do. What counts is if they're willing to risk their lives for that reason."

"Like us?" The sly boy looked over his shoulder in anticipation.

"We don't have much of a reason to stay with Mute Radio. We are who we are only because we want to. And we're definitely not risking our necks for nothing. We're just borrowing a name, but that doesn't mean we can't watch." The girl shook her head.

"Can we do something though? I don't like just watching. That's too boring. I like getting my hands dirty instead. It tickles this funny bone I got." The sly boy complained.

"That's until EVERYONE agrees to whatever it is they want to do. Majority rules." The girl sighed. "But then again, there's always that one guy of ours that decides to take things into their own hands. I'd rather that not be us."

"Then we should stop him, right?" The airy boy spoke up. "He might hurt himself. That's no good."

"That's their own business. We have no right in interfering with what they can or cannot do." The girl eyed the streets being disturbed by a Faunus with an odd fashion sense escaping authorities, rather gracefully at that.

"Well. Not unless we want to do something about it." The sly boy took out his scroll to take a picture of the Faunus. He snickered as he quickly posted the picture on a specific forum with a quick paragraph. " 'sides. Found a thread buzzing about some mystery woman calling the shots in the White Fang."

"One of our guys?" The girl kneeled by the boy to get a good look on his scroll.

"Yep. Not just him. Hehehe. I think it's kinda funny that a White Fang is a radiohead like us." The sly boy tapped his way through dozens of conversations. "No sense of security. Oh well. Makes it easier for us."

"We're not calling ourselves radioheads." The girl grimaced.

"Eh? We're not? I think it's kinda cool." The airy boy said nearby.

The girl sighed again, deeper this time. "For you, I guess so. Now, what's he saying?"

"Says here the gal's name is Cinder. She's mysterious, manipulative, and SMOKING hot." The sly boy snrk'd. "She and Roman are leading the White Fang here in Vale, but I bet there's more to it than that."

"Sent this to MR's mailing list. Everyone might want to see this. Come on. Let's go." The girl quickly ordered before she walked away the roof's edge.

"Eh? Where're we going, Kido?" The airy boy asked, following behind.

"We're meeting up with the others irl. Mary's gathering everyone for hotpot. Hurry up, Seto." 'Kido' explained, she walked through the door downstairs.

"Ah. I see. Kano, let's get going." 'Seto' called out to 'Kano' from inside the building.

"Yeah yeah. I'm kinda busy with this." Kano said with his eyes glued to his scroll. "Wait, did you say hot pot? I'm in!"

The rooftop was now completely alone with the sounds of the city.

Music: Dry Harbinger - Durarara OST

"Okay. Everything's up and ready. The idiots got their guns. My getaway's all fueled up. And I got the exact time to grab the dust before that damn school does." Roman mumbled to himself as he peered over a written over map. "Damn Cinder. Telling me what to do, what to think. Psh. She's a harlot if I ever met one."

"…"

"Neo, just eat your ice cream." Roman said offhandedly to a short girl with exotic colors. She was visibly enjoying her Neapolitan.

"..?"

"Yes. This plan is foolproof. If I can't steal dust from the shops, then I can just steal it before they even get there. And the next shipment from Schnee is coming soon. Precocious jerks with sticks up their asses, all of them." Roman grumbled as he kept up to date on his scroll.

"…"

"Yeah? So? Junior boy gave me the greenlight for this. Don't wanna muddy up potential business." Roman snapped. "Just as long as I don't mess with him or his crew, we'll be fine."

"…"

"Hey. I returned them, remember?"

"…"

" 'In body casts'." Roman repeated mockingly. "What's your point? He and I are still talking, aren't we?"

"…"

"Shut up. It's not like he got some grudge against me. So I win." Roman stuck his tongue out at the girl, who pouted. She relaxed and went back to her ice cream.

"…"

"What about Vale? Nobody's gonna know about this but us." Roman scoffed as he made some calls.

"…"

"What do you mean people will know? It's not like we're painting a giant billboard saying 'Hey! We're totally stealing this! Come find us!' We're just going in and coming out. Simple. Don't make it any more trouble than it is." Roman scolded the girl as she blissfully ignores him with her ice cream. She was nearly done.

"…"

"Gossip? Don't get me started with that. Fine. You MIGHT be right. Some words might slip here and there, but it wouldn't really matter at that point, huh? I'll get the dust, Cinder can do whatever the heck she wants like the scheming broad she is, and we all laugh like the silly little kiddies we are. Capiche?" Roman growled at the last part.

Neo only rolled her eyes, as if mocking, 'Suuure. I understand.'

"Oh. You're such a sweet treat." Roman grimaced. "Look. Let's just pretend that the news don't exist and let's go gung-ho all we want. I don't really care at this point. This city's too spicy for my taste to be honest, but nooooo. I have to stay here because Cinder says she 'has a plan.' Well what the heck does that mean anyway!? Whatever. I'm rambling, huh?"

*crunch*

Roman looked to see Neo nibbling on her ice cream cone. He sighed.

"You sure do know how to read the mood." Roman twitched. He took a deep breath, calming down considerably. "Whatever. I don't care that the police beefed up. I don't care that word might get out of what we're doing. I don't care that some stupid vigilante might swoop in and waste us. I've seen and done enough to just don't bloody care at this point."

*crunch-chew*

Roman glares at the girl. "Just..." He paused for a moment and sighed. "Did you at least get me one?"

Neo's response was to pull an ice cream cone with vanilla. She had a smug smile.

"Well yippee. You cared for once." Roman taunted as he took the cone.

Neo sneers. "..."

" 'You're darn right.' Don't start cursing. It's not right with you." Roman took a lick of vanilla. "Oh yeah. I need you to sit this job out. That okay?"

Neo nodded.

"Great. Just do something. Anything. Stay busy." Roman went back to his map, focusing with intent.

Neo rolls her eyes with a small smirk before she disappears in jagged cracks, leaving Roman all alone with his plans.

"Even I know this damn city's changing. What to do. What to do…" Roman monologues as he peered over his map and scroll with his ice cream in hand.

Author's Note: I love Durarara. Sue me. So the story will have some inspiration from it, won't stop me from making a great story.

Anyway, might want to say this now before any of you yell at me later. I removed the pill plot entirely and chapter's 5-8 show for it. You don't have to reread them either! I took care of it so you don't have to. Just keep on reading with the thought that Ozpin is the manipulative bastard we know and love. Instead, we got Ozpin's plan plot. Same idea, different route. Again, you don't have to reread. (Ugh. I lost so many people from that whole thing and they're never coming back. I'm so sorry and I'll miss you all. ;_;7)

Now. I made it clear once. I'll make it clear again. This story will have references and outright crossovers. But I won't over saturate the story with it. Have to keep a sense of originality for some of you guys. But then again, it is my story. But then again, it IS your choice to read or not. What am I to do but keep writing? I'm only writing this for the art, man. *shrugs*

So yeah. There's a time skip after Glynda's time with Jaune. About two months. Just in time for Vol 1's finale and the early beginnings of Vol 2. Just so we're clear. Vol 2 takes place RIGHT AFTER Vol 1. If Ozpin's interrogation of Blake is took into implication, then the time gap between seasons is not that long.

Tukson and Hei are best buds. You know the saying, "It's a small world?" Yep, I went there. Also, this will get the ball rolling plot-wise. MOAR CHAOS I always say. Vale's in for a treat I can tell you that much.

There had to be a reason as to why Neo wasn't there in Episode 16, like a legitimate reason. So I made up my own faulty one. I'm making it go somewhere. I swears it. No maybes. Only yes's and no's with me.

I think I've stayed my welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Long Live Monty Oum.

Until then, this is destinyTail0 signing off! Stay Frosty!